Battle of Trafalgar painting at Bonhams' Marine sale

Battle of Trafalgar painting at Bonhams’ Marine sale

24 Aug 2012, 09:46 GMT+01

The stunning detail in the rolling waves, taut sails and billowing cannon smoke of this masterpiece depicting the moment that the H.M.S. Victory broke through enemy lines at the Battle of Trafalgar was painted by Steven Dews.

Dews is the UK’s leading marine artist, and is well-known for ironically having failed his A level art subject at school. He now has an international reputation as a marine artist, commissioned by leading organisations the world over to evoke powerful maritime scenes.

This moving portrayal of the significant victory of the British Navy against Napoleon’s forces, during one of the most decisive naval battles ever fought, is expected to sell for £100,000-£150,000 at Bonhams’ Marine Sale on September 26th.

In addition to this painting, a number of fascinating items of antique and vintage marine equipment will be offered, such as octants, sextants, chronometers, naval clocks, compasses, books and documents, scrimshaw, ships bells, ships wheels, ships telegraphs and ship figureheads.

Titanic memorabilia is ever popular, and this auction includes previously unseen archive newsreel footage reporting on the disaster, valued at £5,000-£7,000, a luncheon menu from the Grand Hotel, Belfast honouring the Titanic’s launch, valued at £10,000-£15,000, a hand towel from the ship, valued at £1,000-£1,500, and a photograph of the building of the ship, valued at £500-£600.

Many model ships and numerous additional marine paintings will also feature.